Martin Scorsese to receive BAFTA Fellowship 2012

Martin Scorsese is to be recognised by the British Academy of Film and Arts Awards (BAFTA), with their highest honour: an Academy Fellowship, at next month’s ceremony.

The iconic director, whose most recent offering, Hugo has been a box office hit was described by BAFTA Chair Tim Corrie as, “a legend in his lifetime,” who is a “true inspiration to all young directors.”

Scorsese will collect the award on the 12th February 2012, in a ceremony to be held at the Royal Opera House in London. Speaking about the accolade in an official statement, the director said:

“It is a great honour to be recognised by the British Academy, and to join the ranks of such an esteemed group of industry colleagues and friends.”

Having had a long and illustrious career, Martin Scorsese first gained notice in 1973 for Mean Streets starring Robert De Niro, a film that can be seen as having formed the foundation for all his later pictures. It wasn’t until the release of Taxi Driver in 1976 that he gained respect from his peers. More than 30 years on, he has made a sizable impact on the industry with his directorial and production credits. These include titles like: Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Aviator, and Shutter Island. And that is just the film credits. He also dabbles in television and is well known for his documentaries.

His latest projects are set to be a Frank Sinatra biopic, Sinatra, alongside Silence which will star Daniel Day Lewis and Benicio Del Toro.

Catch the British Academy Film Awards 2012 on BBC One on the 12th February 2012.